Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Home Depot Wedding Registry

Home Depot follows the path of retailers such as Crate & Barrel and Macy's by offering an online gift registry.

Industry insiders see it as an opportunity for the Atlanta-based company to improve its relationship with customers, even though it's not much help to the bottom line. The initiative, which is launched today, is the first in a chain of home improvement.

Home Depot says it's based on its research, which shows that more people will be married later in life, perhaps for the second time, and that they already have small appliances, fine china and silverware. Instead, according to the company, couples might look for drills or other home improvement items.

Home Depot "allows them to express themselves in a unique way," said Shelley Nandkeolyar, director of e-commerce at the firm. "Add another dimension to gift records."

Mark Almond, an analyst at Blaylock & Partners in New York, said he does not believe Home Depot's online gift registry is a big boost in profits, but said, "It's a good thing for them because it's not." It costs a lot and it is a way to strengthen their relationships with their customers. "

While Home Depot customers can register for general events, such as relocating to a new home or baby shower, the company is launching its registration primarily for couples marrying.

Seventy-nine percent of the 839 people who have previously registered on Home Depot's website were married couples. The most important things include: a double hammock with support, a wheelbarrow, an electric washing machine and a rake of leaves.